GFWC Ossoli Circle
Founded in 1885 and the Clubhouse was built in 1933
and on National Register of Historic Places

2511 Kingston Pike Knoxville, Tennessee 37919

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 10892
Knoxville, Tennessee 37939-0892

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a reservation for lunch.

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Need to pay your Ossoli Circle Dues online? Click the link below

2026 Dues

Do not forget to order your Honey Baked Ham, smoked or roasted turkey, and all of the side dishes. To order, and to support Ossoli Circle go to:
https://www.honeybaked.com/fundraising/ossoli_in_action

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What is GFWC Ossoli Circle?

GFWC Ossoli Circle is a Woman’s Club in Knoxville dedicated to education and service. We meet each Monday at our Clubhouse, which is on the historic register. Founded in 1885 as a literary society, the club is a charter member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs.

Service is Our Game !

Ossoli Circle strives to make a positive difference in the greater Knoxville community through both service projects and donations from fundraising activities. In 2024, 36 area organizations benefited from 5853 service hours by Ossoli members.

Presentations and Projects

Presentation/projects are usually from one the following areas: Arts and Culture, Environment, Education, Health and Wellness, Advocates for Children, Civic Engagement, Domestic Violence. Click here to view the calendar with upcoming events.

Looking for an organization devoted to improving community and advocating for women? Consider joining GFWC Ossoli Circle.

Opening and Membership Coffee

2026 Ossoli Circle Membership Coffee Welcomes Members and Guests

The 2026 Ossoli Circle Membership Coffee was a tremendous success and a wonderful beginning to President Linda Williams’ year, with nearly 90 members and 32 guests in attendance. The beautifully decorated historic Ossoli Circle Clubhouse provided a welcoming setting for a morning of fellowship, hospitality, and an engaging program.

Upon arrival, members and their guests were warmly greeted by Membership Chair Evelyn Miller and Mitzi Good before making their way into the auditorium. There, guests enjoyed coffee, tea, and delicious nibbles while mixing and mingling with Ossoli members.

President Linda Williams officially welcomed everyone and expressed her delight at seeing so many members and prospective members gathered together. Each guest was introduced to the group and presented with a special welcome package.

Following the introductions, the program, developed by Linda Williams and Pamela Schwartz, began with an adorable video featuring two service dogs who overheard members discussing some of Ossoli Circle’s many activities and service projects. Curious to learn more, the two canine visitors made their way into the Clubhouse, providing a delightful and creative introduction to the program.

President Williams then narrated a series of slides giving guests a thorough overview of Ossoli Circle and the many ways members can become involved. At the heart of the presentation was Ossoli Circle’s mission: to unite the club membership for charitable purposes, to preserve our historic house, and to empower all women to reach their full potential.

The presentation highlighted Ossoli’s commitment to service in the community, opportunities for social activities and fellowship, and members’ involvement beyond the local club through the district, GFWC of Tennessee, and GFWC International. Together, these opportunities demonstrated the many ways Ossoli members can serve, connect, learn, and make a difference.

The program concluded with an exciting announcement—the introduction of President Linda Williams’ 2026–2027 President’s Project. In partnership with Smoky Mountain Service Dogs, Ossoli Circle will raise funds to purchase a service dog for a veteran.

The announcement brought the morning’s program full circle. The two service dogs who had charmed everyone at the beginning of the presentation represented something much greater by its conclusion: the life-changing difference a specially trained service dog can make in the life of a veteran.

With an outstanding turnout, warm hospitality, an imaginative program, and the introduction of a meaningful new service project, the 2026 Membership Coffee was a memorable beginning to another year of friendship, service, and purpose at Ossoli Circle.

I Love Ossoli Tea

The 42nd I Love Ossoli Tea was held on Monday, August 10, at the historic Westwood House. This beloved Ossoli tradition began as a “Greens Tea,” initiated by Florence Hillis to raise funds for much-needed repairs to the Ossoli Clubhouse that were not otherwise funded. For more than four decades, the Tea has continued as an elegant affair, with members dressed in their finest attire, often complete with beautiful hats.

The Tea provides members with an opportunity to make a special donation to Ossoli Circle, with all proceeds designated for a special project benefiting our 141-year-old Clubhouse. Through this tradition, members not only celebrate Ossoli but also help preserve its historic home for future generations.

Westwood House holds a special place in the hearts of Ossoli members. Purchased by the Aslan Foundation, the historic home has served since 2013 as the headquarters of Knox Heritage, a preservation nonprofit dedicated to preserving structures and places of historical and cultural significance. Westwood is especially meaningful to Ossoli because one of our members called the home her own for 35 years.

The house was beautifully decorated to reflect the theme selected by President Linda Williams, “Many Voices, One Song: Strength in Harmony.” Tables featured musical artifacts and arrangements of lavender flowers, creating an elegant setting that beautifully complemented the theme. Party chairs Kimery Norris Overman and Janet Amburn-Harpe graciously welcomed members and guests with a wonderful variety of food and beverages.

The 42nd I Love Ossoli Tea continued a cherished tradition while bringing members together in celebration, fellowship, and support of the historic Ossoli Clubhouse.

It is time to sign-up for the Walk to End Alzheimer's! Join the Ossoli Circle Team

The Annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s is October 3 at the Knoxville Zoo. The walk begins t 9:15 immediately follow the Opening Ceremony. Please preregister for the GFWC Ossoli Circle Team by clicking on the following link. act.alz.org/gotoGFWCOssoliCircle. On-site registration begins at 7:30 a.m.

You may also use this link to donate to the Ossoli Circle Team even if you are unable to walk on October 3, 2026. You will receive T-shirt for the event, with a donation of $100 with your registration 4 weeks before the walk. T-shirts are mailed prior to the walk! The walk is easy and does not take very long. You will be finished in time for events for the day, including the a Home Game for the UT Football team!

Nancy Christmas is our team leader again this year. She has set an impressive goal of $5000 for Ossoli Circle!

SIGN-UP OR DONATE TODAY!

GFWC Ossoli Circle Shines at GFWC of Tennessee Spring Convention

GFWC Ossoli Circle was proudly represented by ten members at the GFWC of Tennessee Spring Convention held at beautiful Paris Landing. The weekend offered a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with fellow clubwomen and celebrate the spirit of the “GFWC Way.”

Special congratulations to Linda Williams, 2026–2027 President, who was selected to represent Tennessee at the LEADS training during the GFWC International Convention this June. We also celebrate Katie Lannin, named Rookie of the Year. The recipient of the ‘Tribute of Honor’ award for the state GFWC was Kim Overman, whose tireless dedication and expertise have been invaluable to Ossoli, exerting a creative and professional influence that has impacted numerous individuals across the state through her active involvement at both district and state levels.

Ossoli Circle’s excellence was recognized throughout the convention with numerous awards:

1st Place: Arts & Culture; Civic Engagement; Education & Libraries; Environment; Juniors Special Project (Children); Women’s History & Resource Center
2nd Place: Membership; Legislation; Communications & Public Relations; Fundraising; ESO
Division IV (Large Club): Best Club Award
Outstanding Club for 2026: Ossoli Circle

These honors reflect the commitment, passion, and impact of our members as we continue to serve our community and strengthen our legacy of leadership.

2026-2027 President's Project - Smoky Mountain Service Dogs

Smoky Mountain Service Dogs provides specially trained service dogs to veterans and first responders, helping them live with greater independence, confidence, and companionship.

As the Ossoli Circle President’s Project for 2026-2027, Ossoli will support this wonderful organization with fundraising and donations throughout the upcoming year.

Together, we can help put a life-changing service dog beside someone who has served others.

Help GFWC Ossoli Circle purchase a puppy!
We will have many oportunities for members to make donations and help raise the funds to purchase the puppy that will change the life of a veteran.

GFWC Ossoli Circle Celebrates 140th Anniversary at Founder’s Day

The program opened with a warm welcome from Lizzie Crozier French, portrayed in character to greet attendees and thanked them for continuing her dream of educating and empowering women. She reflected on the early years of Ossoli and the determination that shaped its beginning.

Founded on November 20, 1885, by Lizzie Crozier French, Ossoli Circle began as a literary club modeled after the Sorosis Club. She invited 25 women to gather for a Friday afternoon meeting with the purpose of expanding knowledge and strengthening the role of women in the community. More than a century later, Ossoli Circle remains committed to those original goals. The organization continues to unite its members for charitable purposes, preserve its historic clubhouse, and empower women to reach their full potential. Through its programs and community initiatives, Ossoli Circle provides meaningful, educational, and service-focused opportunities that enrich both members and the broader community.

This year’s Founder’s Day theme, “Service Through the Years,” highlighted the club’s long history of resilience and commitment. Former Presidents Janie Bitner and Wanda Taylor recounted the challenges faced during the Covid pandemic and how Ossoli Circle continued to function when many similar organizations were forced to close their doors.

Guest speaker Catey McClary, President and CEO of the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, presented President Coley’s initiative to support local educators. The project provides “Teacher Kits” that accompany the newly developed Playgrounds as Classrooms Playbook. These kits will offer teachers basic, nonconsumable supplies needed to implement hands-on, nature-based learning activities.

Members then enjoyed a delightful meal reminiscent of what the founders themselves might have served in 1885. Special thanks go to Sherry Hillis, FÊTE Day Food Chair, and Terri Bules, Decorations Chair, for transforming the clubhouse into an atmosphere worthy of Ossoli’s earliest days.

The 140th Anniversary Founder’s Day celebration beautifully honored the past while looking forward to the future—continuing the enduring legacy of service, learning, and empowerment that has defined Ossoli Circle for generations.

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The Legacy of Lizzie Crozier French is alive and well in Knoxville , Tennessee today.

The Tennessee Woman Suffrage Memorial is located at Market Square in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee.

Historic Marker honoring Lizzie Crozier French placed at Ossoli Circle Clubhouse.

GFWC Ossoli Circle Founded in 1885 and the Clubhouse was built in 1933and on National Register of Historic Places